Japan won the HSBC Asian rugby sevens series, recovering from a 14-point deficit to beat defending champions Hong Kong 24-19 in the final of the Singapore leg on Sunday evening.

Over 1,200 fans at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium witnessed the thrilling finale to the four-month series, which Japan had also won in 2011.

China finished third in this leg, overcoming South Korea 33-14 in a play-off.

Singapore had to settle for 10th spot in the Singapore leg after falling 5-18 to Thailand in the Bowl final. They also finished 10th overall in the series, which featured 15 teams.

Singapore coach Inoke Afeaki, who had targeted a top-six placing in the 12-team event at Yio Chu Kang Stadium, said: "We didn't have much of the ball so we found ourselves defending a lot; overall, it was a frustrating tournament for us."